9. Monitor the topics the children are researching/discussing and more so when others are involved. 10. Set some family standards and guidelines to help family members choose

Resources Psalm 97:10 — You that love the Lord hate evil

only quality media entertainment. Plan

Isaiah 5:20-21 — Woe to those who call evil good, and good evil

other events to fill the void when such

Amos 5:14 — Seek good and not evil

entertainment is not available.

“Agency” “Evil” and “Good” Tropical Guide

11. Know why evil sometimes seems attractive.

**********

12. Be ready to discuss how movies, books, television programmes, etc. can lead to deviant behaviour. 13. Be ready and willing to recognize the intended evil of the organizer or author, etc.

After Viewing

“Seek after things that

At the end of the day one must be able to

are virtuous, lovely of

compare one’s Christian standards, values

good report and praise

and principles with what one has gleaned

worthy.”

to determine if one is encouraged to love God.

Making the Comparison A comparison of scriptures with erroneous literature should be recognized so that a meaningful choice may be made.

“That We All May Be One” The Parish of St. George and St. John St. George’s Rectory Gingerland Nevis Phone: 869-469-3441 Fax: 869-469-2056 Email: [email protected]

Rev Canon Dr Alson B H Percival January 2011

rather than the media controlling our lives through the time we spend watching

Helpful Tips for Avoiding Harmful Influences

television, surfing on the Internet, reading magazines, watching movies, etc. In other words the media can either make you or break you. The media can make a celebrity out of you. It can also force you to buy a product or remain satisfied with what you have.

Definition of Media The word media of which we speak almost on a daily basis means public communication. It represents newspapers, magazines, radio and television broadcast and the Internet.

Using the Media for Good One needs to be wise in the use of the media, otherwise there may be a tendency to make wrong choices. One is better and happier as one serves with commitment our Heavenly Father especially when one chooses to read, see and hear that which encourages virtue, purity, kindness and love.

Controlling what is allowed in the Home We need to control the media in our lives

How the Media affects us Too many people want to become like the personalities with whom we spend time with listening to or watching on the media. The media has profound influence on people. It can cheer, depress, calm, make aggressive, uplift or degrade them. This certainly depends on what passes through one’s mind at the time of viewing or reading. Proverbs states, “...As a man thinketh in his heart, so he is.” (23:7). Once evil thoughts enter into one’s mind, one can be influenced by them to the extent of affecting one’s behaviour.

These are some tips which can help a person decide how he/she can avoid the harmful effects of the media in his/her life: 1. Decide what programmes will be viewed by the entire family. 2. Know the channels you are paying for. 3. Determine

the

times

allowed

for

television viewing. 4. What are the programmes the radio stations broadcast and their times of broadcasting. 5. Set aside family media time. 6. Monitor the types of books, magazines, DVD, Internet, CDs , etc. that are brought to or used in the home. 7. The use of cell phones by children should be controlled by the parents. 8. Know what movies are being shown and where. Is there nudity and profanity? Why do others say it is too good to be missed?